The third Sunday of Advent is also called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is Latin for “rejoice.” This name is taken from the entrance antiphon for Sunday's Mass, which is also echoed in today's second reading Phil 4:4-7, from the Paul's letter to the Philippians. It is a reminder that the Advent season is a season of joy because our salvation is already at hand.

This Sunday's Gospel Lk 3:10-18 continues last week's focus on John the Baptist and his role in preparing the way for Christ.

John the Baptist challenged the crowds who came to him and called upon them to show evidence of their repentance. Here, Luke is continuing to set up two important themes of his Gospel message: the Christian faith is expressed in one's actions, and the call to salvation is extended to everyone, Jews and Gentiles.

In today's Gospel, the crowds ask John the Baptist for details. What evidence of repentance is required? He tells the crowds that they should share their clothing and food with the less fortunate. Tax collectors should not collect more than the required amount. Soldiers should be satisfied with their pay and not extort money by leveling false accusations against others. The concern for justice is a hallmark of Luke's Gospel.

When the crowd begins to wonder if John the Baptist might be the Messiah, John makes it clear that his ministry is in preparation for the Messiah. John knows his place and role in God's plan of salvation. By encouraging the crowd to act similarly in accordance with their places in life, John's teaching suggests that each person has a role in God's salvation. It is the great mystery of our salvation that God permits and even asks for human cooperation in his divine plans.

Evangelization starts by us getting people interested and excited about Jesus Christ. It is only when we show others the joy, meaning, and fulfillment that we have because of our relationship with Christ and his Church that they will start asking us what they should do to have such a life-giving relationship in their own lives.

Your contributions to support the Grains of Hope Community Meal Packing event on March 24th are needed now. Sponsorship forms are available at the doors of the church if you wish to use them. You can always make a contribution in any amount by mailing your check (marked for "GoH-HS") direct to Community Partners for Hope PO Box 532 in Pompton Plains, dropping your support in the wooden collection boxes at the main and wing doors of church, or in a marked envelope in the collection basket. Thank You!

What is R.C.I.A.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the coming home of any adult into the full and warm embrace of God the Father and Holy Mother Church. It is a joyous time of growth, healing, and love in the life of any adult who comes to a relationship of faith, hope and love in God through Jesus Christ. Receiving the Sacraments of Initiation, namely Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist, the adult catechumen or candidate is welcomed into the full life of the Church and encouraged to engage in the life and ministries of the Church as faith leads to action.

The adult catechumen or candidate is also exposed to the life of holiness, a call from God experienced by all people, and the many ways he or she can live that call as a servant of Christ and His Church. The catechumen or candidate is exposed to the different spiritual traditions of the Church, as well as her charitable and liturgical activities and ministries, so that he or she can find a home in the life of the Church and contribute his or her gifts and talents to the building up of the kingdom of God.

RCIA is an 8-month process by which adult, baptized Catholics complete their sacraments of initiation, and those who would like to become Catholic for the first time receive their sacraments, is beginning registration now. If you, or someone you know, is interested in joining these sessions, please call the Parish Office at (973) 696-1234.

If you know of someone who is homebound and would like to schedule a visit from one of our Eucharistic Ministers for Holy Communion, please have them call the Parish Office at (973) 696-1234. Homebound individuals who would like a visit from Fr. David for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick or the Sacrament of Reconciliation may also call the Parish Office to arrange for a visit.

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